A day after its chief asserted that World Cup-winning Spanish legend Xavi Hernandez was one of the candidates for India football coach’s job, the All India Football Federation announced that the e-mail sent in his name proved to be “not genuine” and three others have been short-listed for the position. The AIFF did not unveil the names in the trimmed list but it is common belief that Khalid Jamil, now the Indian Super League club Jamshedpur FC’s head coach, is the favorite for the vacancy caused by Spaniard Manolo Marquez.
AIFF Clarifies on Guardiola and Xavi Applications
“The AIFF received an e-mail furnishing the applications from Spanish coaches Pep Guardiola and Xavi Hernandez. The authenticity of their applications could not be confirmed, and it has since emerged that the e-mail applications were not genuine,” AIFF stated in a media release.
One of its officials, on condition of anonymity, had said on Friday that the use of Xavi could not be processed as the AIFF did not have the means to recruit his services.
Three Candidates Shortlisted After Review
The IM Vijayan-led Technical Committee, it is learnt, has also retained Englishman Stephen Constantine, who has coached India earlier, and Stefan Tarkovic of Slovakia in the short-list.
Constantine had coached the Indian team in two stints previously, and Tarkovic is the best-decorated of the shortlisted options having guided Slovakia in the 2020 Euro Championship, where his side defeated fancied Poland which had the Bayern Munich legend Robert Lewandowski in their line-up.
Technical Committee Review and Recommendation
“Following comprehensive discussions and a rigorous selection process, 10 candidates were selected for the committee to review, following which, the TC shortlisted three,” the release also stated.
“Given the immediate needs of the national team, it is advisable to recommend three coaches from the short-listed pool for final consideration,” former India skipper Vijayan was quoted as saying in the release.
“Other prominent applicants, many of whom are highly qualified international coaches, will be taken into account for long-term strategic roles in the future,” he added.
Indian Context Will Be Key, Says Subrata Paul
National Team Director Subrata Paul, a former India captain, had something to say regarding preference being given to one having some knowledge of Indian football.
“It is a very important moment for Indian football, and we are committed to appointing a coach who not only brings technical expertise but also understands the unique style, culture, and dynamics of Indian and Asian football.
“We believe such a coach will be able to connect with our players quickly and effectively,” Paul stated.
